ShoreStrong Summer Programs is a new wellness initiative making its debut this year in Ocean City. Designed to inspire young women to prioritize health, fitness, and personal growth, the program combines wellness education with fun activities for a transformative summer experience.
Led by Alexa Gershon and her mother, Michelle, this unique program aims to empower teen girls through fitness, nutrition, and confidence-building activities.
Alexa Gershon, a dietetic intern specializing in women’s health and nutrition, brings her passion for health and wellness to the forefront of this program. Michelle, a seasoned camp supervisor and mentor, complements Alexa’s expertise with her extensive background working with teens.
“It’s always been a dream to partner with my daughter!” Michelle shared. “We work well together and love bouncing ideas off each other. I think we balance each other out. I have many ideas for the business, which Alexa helps to implement with her artistic creativity.”
The program’s primary goals are to encourage healthy habits, foster teamwork, and boost confidence. “Alexa has always been passionate about health and wellness. On long car rides, we would listen to podcasts and audiobooks related to these topics and have tried to practice what we’ve learned,” Michelle said. “She is highly motivated, incredibly organized, and loves working with teens.”
Michelle will serve as the program’s “camp mom,” offering guidance and support to participants living away from home for the first time. “I will be the house mom, helping with anything needed, as well as being a liaison between the girls and their parents,” she explained. “Parents can trust us because of our authenticity and integrity.”
Program details
Location and accommodations: The program is based in Ocean City. Participants stay in a duplex featuring three bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a spacious deck. Two girls share each room.
Group size: Each session welcomes six participants, ensuring a small, intimate group dynamic that encourages teamwork and deep friendships. “This allows us to bond as a small group and work not only on personal growth but team-building and collaboration as well,” explained Alexa.
Local/day program: For local residents, ShoreStrong offers a day program that includes all meals and activities without the overnight commitment. Participants join morning to evening activities, ensuring full access to wellness and fitness programming. Interested locals can email director@shorestrongsummer.com for more details.
Staff: ShoreStrong employs three full-time staff members for each session, including the director, assistant director, and wellness advocate. Additionally, guest speakers and fitness instructors bring diverse expertise to the program.
Activities and meals
ShoreStrong blends education, wellness, and fun to create a comprehensive experience:
• Educational activities: Nutrition classes, meal prep, group cardio, strength training, journaling, yoga, and guest speakers focusing on confidence and body positivity
• Recreational activities: Beach days, shuffleboard, volleyball, amusement park rides, mini-golf, movie nights, and karaoke
• Meals: Alexa ensures all meals are nutritious and enjoyable, with options like scrambled eggs and fruit for breakfast or turkey burgers with sweet potato fries for lunch. Participants help prepare dinners, including fun, themed nights like “build-your-own pizza” and “build-your-own hoagies” for sunset picnics on the bay.
“I mostly look forward to helping the girls be passionate about their health and seeing how confidence and knowledge can set the girls on a successful path for life,” Michelle said.
ShoreStrong offers an opportunity for young women to build confidence, form lifelong friendships, and embrace a healthier lifestyle in the heart of Ocean City.
For more information on ShoreStrong, check out their website at https://www.shorestrongsummer.com/.
